Research network aims to lift hen welfare

A new network of European researchers will work together to lift the welfare of laying hens across the continent.

Named Henovation, the project is being co-ordinated by the University of Bristol. It hopes to set up “innovation networks” with the aim of making businesses “more efficient and sustainable”.

See also: The causes of vent pecking in layers explored

In practice it will help to apply scientific knowledge to create practical improvements on poultry farms.

Networks will be led by professors, but include vets, researchers, farm advisers and wider members of the poultry industry.

An initial focus will be on feather pecking and the transport and slaughterhouse conditions of spent hens.

It is envisaged that around 20 networks will be set up, and a first meeting took place in March this year. 

David Main from the University of Bristol is co-ordinating the project. He said: “Changes in commercial animal husbandry often require producers and industry to modify existing practices, which creates opportunities for experimentation and innovation.”

It has been funded by a grant from the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 project, which has made almost €80bn of funding available for putting science into practice.